Health Equity

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CAMH believes in the
principle of equity and respects the diversity of the individuals and
communities we serve.

Evidence shows that people
belonging to certain population groups tend to experience disparities in their
health status, access to services and the quality of care received. Factors
such as gender, race, sexual orientation, immigration status, income and
education can influence a person's access to timely, appropriate and
high-quality care.

Health equity is concerned
with creating equal opportunities for good health for all and reducing
avoidable and unjust differences in health among population groups.

Equitable access to health
services that is based on need, fairness in the distribution of health care
resources, provision of culturally competent care and focus on the most
health-disadvantaged groups can significantly reduce disparities in health
outcomes among population groups and enhance the wellbeing of underprivileged
populations.

The
Health Equity Office

CAMH
has a long history of being a champion for diversity and we have made a
long-term organizational commitment to reducing disparities in mental illness
and treatment in marginalized groups. CAMH’s journey started with the approval
of diversity as an organizational priority in 2000, and has developed
health equity as a driving force to reflect the changing understanding of
issues as the healthcare environment has matured.

The Health Equity Office
was established in March, 2011. Through our work, we plan and implement equity
based initiatives in keeping with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
(MOHLTC) (hyperlink and Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TC
LHIN) priorities.

Patient Demographic
Data Collection: We Ask because We CareEvidence shows
that factors such as ethnicity, gender, income, sexual orientation or education
can affect patient access to care. Reducing these disparities requires action
by health care organizations. Collecting socio-demographic data from clients is
a necessary first step for health care organizations to take such action. This
data will contribute to our goal of ensuring that every client has access to
the highest quality healthcare we can provide.

Health Equity for Health
Care ProvidersHealth Equity is a key component of
quality health care. CAMH, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and
Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), has created the Health Equity for Health Care
Providers website to facilitate a 'one-window' approach to connect Health Link
and other health care providers with health equity tools and resources.